PH men's lacrosse frustrates Hong Kong to stay perfect at Asia-Pacific meet
At A Glance
- The Philippine men's lacrosse squad bucked a lethargic first half and notched a 9-4 win over Hong Kong to remain unblemished in the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men's Lacrosse Championship in Wellington, New Zealand Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Jayden Basalatan leads Team PH's offense with three goals. (Philippines Lacrosse Association)
The Philippine men’s lacrosse squad bucked a lethargic first half and notched a 9-4 win over Hong Kong to remain unblemished in the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Wellington, New Zealand Wednesday, Jan. 7.
The Nationals recovered from a 0-2 start and a 3-4 deficit before the break after striking six goals in the second half with three coming from Jayden Basalatan.
Apart from staying unblemished and assured of a play-in in the continental showpiece, the Philippines bolstered its bid for an outright spot in the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in Japan.
However, the country's final game is against Pool B leader and the Komine Takuna-led Japan, which was fueled by an 18-1 annihilation of China, this Thursday, Jan. 8.
With Japan already part of next year’s world championship, the winner of the two coveted qualifying spots would be determined in the play-in, where the Philippines is set to compete if it bows to the Japanese.
Backing up Basalatan’s three goals were Nicholas Mitchell, Benjamin Bisquera, Jonathan and Jarrett Dugenio, Chase Ladrido, and Christian Tacogue.
Bisquera was named as Player of the Game as he also posted one assist.
On the other side, Glen To, Hing Yui Tsang, Kurtis Shum, and Wing Cheung delivered the goods for Hong Kong, which looks to stay in contention when it battles fellow winless China (0-2) also Thursday.